A plan proposed by Chairman Burke during the Jan. 9 Board Meeting is
expected to support the local economy while keeping the region on a clean
air path. The initiative consists of four elements, including more web-based
training for small businesses and providing permit holders assistance one
Saturday per month.
MORE INFORMATION
Unhealthful Air Quality Forecast Due to Windblown Dust From High Winds
On Dec.9, strong gusty Santa Ana winds will likely cause unhealthful air quality in
areas of the Southland today, especially regions in and downwind of areas
burned by the recent wildfires.
MORE INFORMATION
AQMD Governing Board Adopts Initiative That Will Tackle Global Warming
and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
On Dec. 5, the Board adopted the SoCal Climate Solutions Exchange, a
voluntary plan that will allow businesses the opportunity to invest in
high-quality carbon reductions. Green jobs will be created through the
program and companies and individuals will be able to use these reductions
to offset their “carbon footprint.”
MORE INFORMATION
New Proposed Rule Will Further Reduce Particulate Emissions from Local
Cement Plants
AQMD is in the process of strengthening its
Rule 1156
after elevated levels of hexavalent chromium were found in dust
blowing from a cement facility in Riverside. The new rule would
require ambient air monitoring, wind monitoring and a 24-hour
halt on “clinker” material handling if wind gusts exceed 25 mph.
MORE
INFORMATION
Town Hall Meeting in Rubidoux to Address Community Concerns Regarding
TXI Riverside Cement Co.
AQMD will hold a community meeting in Rubidoux on Wednesday, Dec. 3 to
update residents on recent efforts to reduce dust and hexavalent chromium
emissions from all cement facilities in the Southland, including TXI
Riverside Cement Co. In June, AQMD reached a settlement with TXI to
significantly reduce dust emissions.
MORE INFORMATION
The Historic Queen "Goes Green"
On Nov. 21, AQMD presented the Queen Mary with a commendation for going above
and beyond the requirements of Rule 1113 – Architectural Coatings, a
stringent regulation designed to cut down on smog-forming emissions. The
ship’s three iconic smoke stacks are being re-painted with an
environmentally friendly, water-based paint with low emissions.
MORE INFORMATION
AQMD Offers Homeowners Tips After Recent Wildfires
After a fire is extinguished, be careful! Once a structure is
ravaged by fire, large quantities of ash and dust particles may pose a
health hazard. Skin, eyes, nose and respiratory systems can become
irritated and the burnt debris may contain toxic materials such as asbestos,
lead and arsenic.
MORE INFORMATION
Southland Smog Season on Par with Recent Years
On Nov. 12, This year's smog
season in the Southland was similar to recent years, although the number of days of unhealthy air
quality for ozone climbed slightly this year compared to 2007.
FULL STORY
AQMD, Gregg Industries Reach Settlement to Address Foul Odors
On Nov. 6, Southland air quality officials have reached a
settlement (PDF, 465K)of air
quality violations with an El Monte foundry valued at $4.7 million. The
agreement is expected to end years of foul odors in the community
surrounding the facility.
FULL STORY
Judge's Decision May Block Future Southland Public Service Facilities
On Nov. 3, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge may have blocked future
construction of major projects at essential public facilities including
schools, hospitals, landfills, and sewage treatment plants that need air
emission credits.
FULL STORY
AQMD Board Adopts Plan to Develop First-Ever Compressed Natural Gas
Drayage Trucks at Ports
On Nov. 7, as part of the overall effort to cut down on pollutants
stemming from port activities, AQMD will co-sponsor a demonstration of four compressed natural
gas (CNG) drayage trucks.
FULL STORY
AQMD Seeks Public Input on Rule to Reduce Emissions from Cement
Facilities
AQMD will hold a public consultation meeting on Nov. 20 in
Diamond Bar to seek input on proposed changes to Rule 1156 – Further
Reductions of Particulate Emissions from Cement Manufacturing Facilities.
Amendments are intended to further reduce particulate matter emissions, as
well as hexavalent chromium emissions from cement manufacturing facilities
in the Southland.
More Information
Zero-Emission Electric Tram Unveiled at Descanso Gardens
On Oct. 29, an environmentally friendly electric tram for transporting
guests made its official debut at Descanso Gardens.
FULL STORY
AQMD Unveils "Healthy Hearths" Incentive Program, Website, and Video in
an Effort to Reduce Harmful Wood Smoke Emissions
On Oct. 24, AQMD unveiled a consumer incentive program that encourages
homeowners to replace wood-burning fireplaces with cleaner burning gas log
sets.
FULL STORY
AQMD Issues Order to Speed Up Wildfire Recovery Effort
On Oct. 23, Following recent wildfires in the San Fernando Valley, AQMD
issued an executive order to help speed recovery efforts by temporarily
waiving the fees and waiting period required for all asbestos-related
cleanups.
FULL STORY
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